Key information

  • Alberta’s addiction response
    • Alberta’s addiction care system includes prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery services. Learn more about the range of addiction care options.
    • The Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322 provides support, information and referral to services. The confidential, toll-free line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
    • Opioid data helps us better understand the opioid crisis in Alberta and make informed, strategic decisions about how best to support individuals experiencing addiction.
  • Supporting the mental health of Albertans
    • Resources and supports are available to help Albertans experiencing stress, anxiety and uncertainty.
    • The Mental Health Help Line is a 24-hour, 7 day a week confidential service that provides support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing mental health concerns.
  • Addressing the impact of COVID-19

In focus

Budget 2021

Alberta’s budget is focused on protecting lives and livelihoods, investing in health care, preparing for recovery and spending responsibly.

Alberta COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub

Provincial funding helped jack.org and Kids Help Phone create the Alberta COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub.

Virtual Opioid Dependency Program

Available province wide, Alberta Health Services uses telehealth technology to provide treatment for opioid use disorder.

Residential addiction treatment provider licensing

Residential addiction treatment providers in Alberta must be licensed in accordance with the Mental Health Services Protection Act.

Biography

Mike Ellis was appointed Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions on July 8, 2021.

Mike Ellis was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta in the constituency of Calgary-West in a by-election on October 27, 2014. He was re-elected on May 5, 2015 and again on April 16, 2019.

An April 30, 2019, he was assigned to serve as Government Whip.

He currently serves as chair for the Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Public Bills and as deputy chair of the Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services.

Mr. Ellis previously served as a member of the Select Special Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner Search Committee and as a member of the following standing committees of the Legislative Assembly:

  • Legislative Offices (Chair)
  • Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund
  • Families and Communities
  • Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing

Prior to his election to the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Ellis spent 12 years with the Calgary Police Service. During his tenure he served 8 years in the position of constable and 3 as patrol sergeant. In recognition of his service he received a 10-year distinguished service medal in 2013.

During Mr. Ellis’s policing career his focus was primarily on community policing, which included working with some of Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens through the Alberta Secretariat for Action on Homelessness. He specialized in judicial administration law and incident command, and also trained other officers in how to help victims of crime.

Mr. Ellis has studied in the bachelor of policing program at Charles Sturt University in Australia. He also holds a management certificate from Mount Royal College and leadership certification from the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Mr. Ellis is married to Hollie, and together they have 3 children.